Investigators are looking into a potential auto defect that is causing a number of Chevy Trailblazers from the 2006 and 2007 model years to catch fire. According to a news report in The Washington Post, more than 309,000 of these vehicles may have faulty power window switches or related electrical parts that cause fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already received 12 complaints of smoke or fires in Trailblazers. While no injuries have been reported yet, there have been reports of door parts melting and singed seats as a result of these fires. Some of the fires occurred while the vehicle was moving, while others involved engines that were turned off and cars that were unattended or left parked.

Related Investigation

Trailblazers from the year 2006 and 2007 are not the only vehicles that are apparently igniting. NHTSA recently opened a probe to investigate 2007 Toyota Camry sedans and RAV4 small crossover SUVs for similar problems. It is unclear if those vehicles share a common parts manufacturer for the defective switches as the Trailblazers. An investigation is underway.

Chevrolet Recalls

There are many other Chevrolets that have recently been recalled. According to Motor Trend, Chevrolet recalls include the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox for tire monitoring and regulating systems, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala for steering issues, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic for brake issues, and the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado for problems with front seat belts. Toyota had its highest ever recall year in 2010 when more than 10 million vehicles were recalled, a majority of them for sudden acceleration issues.

Rights of the Consumer

If you have been injured due to a defective auto part or a mechanical failure, you would be well advised to preserve the damaged vehicle intact so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects and malfunctions. If a defective vehicle has injured you or caused property damage, the automaker can be held liable for the damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large car manufacturers. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims and their families.